About CEO Mike Pelfini

My chosen career path was shaped by having an older sibling who developed a disability within her first year. I am the President and CEO of Easter Seals Bay Area – a company providing direct services to individuals and families affected by disabilities.

My sister Theresa and I were born eighteen months apart, and I have vivid memories of the joys and difficulties that accompanied living in a family affected by disability. Cookie (Theresa’s nickname) passed away at age eight from complications associated with her condition—she had severe neurological impairments that prevented her from developing typically and which, towards the end of her life, required that she receive her nourishment from a feeding tube.  She never learned to walk or run…so my parents never experienced with Cookie the feeling that you get when your toddler runs with an unsteady gait into your waiting arms. She never learned to speak…so we were always left wondering if she was feeling discomfort or pain. I know she felt joy, because I can easily dial up the sound of her laughter. I also know it was hard for my parents to live with the questions for which they had no adequate answers. While the years were difficult, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Having raised children of our own, my wife and I know how important it is for families who have children affected by a disability to have access to help and answers that inspire hope. My career began as a special education teacher, and has lead me to Easter Seals Bay Area, a social enterprise whose mission provides a positive impact throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.  I have the best job around ~ I get to work each day with some of the most passionate and high-performing people in the world ~ people who are convinced that individuals and families affected by disabilities can live, learn, work, and play to their full potential, and who believe we can be a part of making this happen with them.

Today, we are just scratching the surface!  There are wonderful successes happening for children with special needs and their families every day, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to encourage hope and provide help and answers when, where and how families need it most.